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Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hi All.

Putting together a reference level system.
My Source is predominantly standard 16/44 played from a MacMini using iTunes and Amarra. Some of my music is purchased from iTunes and the rest is ripped from standard CD's.
For my tastes in music, my high def catalogues are still limited; so Redbook 16/44 will be my primary source for quite some time.

I'm not spending DCS or MSB money. But $15-20k retail is not out of the question.

Upsampling vs non-upsampling?
USB input vs SPDIF?

All opinions welcome.

And I know I need to hear them, but getting these ultra $$$ DAC's into your house for an audition ain't easy.

Looking for musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension. Not looking for analytical and sterile.
mattnshilp
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
matts wife is none of your concern, why do you post such bad opinions here for everyone to see and spoil a great thread!
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
Hi Audiolabyrinth,

You are welcome!

There are two choices when it comes to the digital transport.

1. SDT-M reading SD memory cards.

2. CD/SACD player re-designed to a digital transport.

Both send DSD audio data to the DSD-S DAC via a proprietary digital connection, and achieve a very similar sound quality.

Of course, you can also dive in the computer audio based digital sources and use the asynchronous USB input of the DSD-S. :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
agear
1,362 posts
 
You should view wifey as an integral system component like any other that needs appropriate attention and tweaking like any finicky, esoteric German turntable designed by some physics professor....
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,510 posts
 
Agear is being funny and ya work on the better half!

Matt, as an FYI, I have owned a couple of Hydra units that are said not to limit current etc.... I can tell you that in my room, with two direct 20 amp lines, the Hydra limited the dynamics and openness of my amps and music.

Go figure. I sold them. Hydra 2 and 4. Amps sounded better plugged into the 20 amp Porter Port outlet.

Ok, I need my fix of reading more of your comparisons. I must have a hit!
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
To Audiolabyrinth:

Sorry, forgot to mention the option of using any digital transport you like via S/PDIF or AES/EBU digital connections, but I am really thinking high-res only.
DSD to be exact. I don't remember when I listened to PCM last time, seems like never. :-)

Of course, any PCM digital source used with the above mentioned inputs will be converted to DSD64 or double DSD128. You choose which one you like better by pressing a button on the remote in real time. :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
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